Darts Hill Garden is the result of over 70 years of work and dedication guided by the clear vision of Francisca Darts. Along with her husband Edwin, Francisca took a logged piece of land, turned it first into an award winning orchard and then into the unique garden that is Darts Hill today.
Francisca’s curiosity and love of the new and interesting has resulted in the most diverse collection of mature tree and shrub species in the Pacific Northwest. Many were planted from seed collected from around the world.
In 1994 Edwin and Francisca Darts donated their 7.5-acre garden to the City of Surrey and its citizens. Their intention was to give Surrey its own garden to be used as a horticultural centre for the preservation, enhancement, and development of plants. The non-profit Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust Society works in partnership with the City of Surrey towards these goals.
Darts Hill Garden was designed for year-round interest. In autumn, you can enjoy the beauty of late blooming trees and perennials; unusual and ornamental fruits, seeds, and nuts; and leaves taking on their vibrant fall colours. In winter, you’ll enjoy the shape and colour of conifers and broad-leaved evergreens, beautiful bark and branch structure of trees, and the surprise of winter-blooming plants such as mahonia, early rhododendrons, witch hazels, and more. In September Darts Hill Garden is open to visitors every Saturday from 11 to 3. October’s only public opening is our Fall Colour Open House on October 22 from 11 to 3. Check out our events calendar for further details.
The garden has limited openings for members in November, January, February, and March. Consider becoming a member, or book a private guided tour for your friends, family, or organization – we can accommodate that too. Jump to our tours section to learn more.
Follow the Garden’s extraordinary history from its start in the 1940s to its donation to the City of Surrey.
